Now officially an ambassador of Cartier, the actor speaks exclusively with L'OFFICIEL about joining the Maison&rsquo;s storied legacy&mdash;and how the fierce spirit of the Panth&egrave;re mirrors her own journey.

In July, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/jacob-elordi-sofia-coppola-cartier-love-unlimited-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cartier</a> announced actor <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/zoe-saldana-career-in-photos-young-pictures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zoe Salda&ntilde;a</a> as its newest global ambassador&mdash;an appointment that felt more like a continuation of a long-standing relationship than a new beginning. Although Salda&ntilde;a has just joined Cartier as an ambassador, the Maison has a history of partnering with her. In 2023, she debuted a striking Cartier Libre Tressage jewelry cape at the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party and has since graced multiple red carpets wearing creations from two of the Maison&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/cartier-en-equilibre-high-jewelry-collection-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">High Jewelry</a> collections during the most recent awards season.
The title was commemorated with a new photoshoot, which saw Salda&ntilde;a modeling pieces from the Panth&egrave;re de Cartier collection, including watches and bracelets that embody both wild elegance and timeless sophistication. &ldquo;In all her forms, the Maison&rsquo;s Panther is magnetic, from the latest t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te creations to the simple suggestion of her distinctive spots,&rdquo; the brand shared. &ldquo;This bold creativity is shared with the Maison&rsquo;s latest ambassador, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/zoe-saldana-career-in-photos-young-pictures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zoe Salda&ntilde;a</a>.&rdquo;
Since its first appearance in 1914, the Panth&egrave;re has reigned over Cartier&rsquo;s creative universe as a symbol of independence, strength, and seduction. Speaking exclusively with L&rsquo;OFFICIEL, Salda&ntilde;a reflects on what it means to join a storied legacy like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/cartier-v-and-a-museum-exhibition-visit-details" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cartier&rsquo;s</a>&mdash;and how embodying its timeless spirit feels both empowering and deeply personal.

L&rsquo;OFFICIEL: The Panth&egrave;re has long symbolized strength, elegance, and independence. What qualities of the Panth&egrave;re do you personally connect with most, and how do you see them reflected in your own journey?
ZOE SALDA&Ntilde;A: I&rsquo;ve always resonated with the duality of the Panth&egrave;re&mdash;its grace and its power. It also embodies this quiet confidence that I really connect with. What speaks to me most is the independence the Panth&egrave;re represents. Throughout my career, I&rsquo;ve been drawn to roles and projects that challenge norms and create space for new voices. That independence mirrors how I try to live, lead, and express myself.
L&rsquo;O: This series marks the beginning of your ambassadorship with Cartier. What drew you to partner with the Maison, and how does its heritage align with your personal sense of style?
ZS:&nbsp;I am honored to become an ambassador for Cartier, following many years of warm collaboration. I have long been an admirer of the Maison&rsquo;s boundary-breaking savoir-faire that creates incredible pieces of wearable art, and I look forward to continuing this special relationship. There&rsquo;s a timeless strength in Cartier that aligns with how I approach my own style&mdash;classic, bold, and always evolving.
L&rsquo;O:&nbsp;Jewelry often carries both personal and cultural significance. Do you have a memory or story where jewelry has played a meaningful role in your life?
ZS: When I was a teenager, my grandmother gave me a small gold pendant. It carried generations of meaning for me. Every time I wear it, I feel connected to my family and to the women who came before me. Jewelry was always more than adornment&mdash;it was storytelling. I remember my mother wearing pieces that marked milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, triumphs. I&rsquo;ve inherited that ritual.

Zoe Saldaña

L&rsquo;O: The Panth&egrave;re collection continues to evolve with each new debut. What excites you about the new designs you wore during this shoot, and how do you see them speaking to modern women today?
ZS: There is something so empowering about wearing a piece that feels both timeless and modern. These designs make a statement without saying a word. The Panth&egrave;re has evolved without ever losing its soul, and I think that&rsquo;s exactly why it resonates with women today&mdash;we&rsquo;re doing the same.
L&rsquo;O: Behind-the-scenes moments often reveal a different energy than the final images. What was the atmosphere like on set for this series, and did any moment stand out to you in particular?
ZS: The energy was incredible&mdash;it felt more like a creative gathering than a traditional shoot, which made the experience all the more special. Everyone brought their passion and artistry, and it created a really inspiring atmosphere.

Zoe Saldaña on How Cartier’s Panthère Reflects Her Strength and Grace

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